Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and Summer Heat: How Can You Stay Cool?

One of the major symptoms of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome is something called heat intolerance. Many POTS patients can’t regulate their body’s core temperature, causing periods of excessive heat to induce fainting, nausea, and extreme dehydration. As the summer begins, make sure to read over these few tips on how to protect yourself from heat.

Get Shady

Have to walk your dog in the middle of the afternoon? Facing a long hot walk from the back of the parking lot to the cool, glorious blast of air conditioning in the grocery store? Maybe you’re just getting the mail—use the power of shade to block out the sun’s dehydrating rays. While sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats are an obvious pick, you may also want to consider picking up a small black umbrella. This can help keep you out of the sun’s deepest exposure while you’re ducking from spot to spot trying to find the most shade on the way into the mall.

Chill Out

While there have been a slew of products created to beat the heat including some pretty neat cooling vests, there are plenty of low-cost options out there too. Simple ice packs wrapped around your neck can help keep you from overheating. You can also use personal fans or personal fans with spray bottles for an extra burst of cool!

Avoiding Primetime

Exercise and outdoor activities are best done as early or as late in the day as possible. Staying out of the yard during prime shine hours can reduce your chances of getting burnt or dehydrated, overexerting yourself in the heat, and experiencing instances of syncope (fainting.)

Comfort at Home

Many POTS patients have issues with sleeping in heat. A great solution for this is the Chillow—a pillow with cooling materials or inserts for ice packs that can help decrease body temperature. You can also add an extra fan to your room to help circulate cold air.

Speak Up

Whether you’re at camp or school and are required to do some kind of out door activity, speak up about staying in the shade. You’re bound to end up in situations where the party moves outside, so to speak, and you have to let others know that it’s

ABOUT US

Dr. Santa Maria is a concierge physician in Boca Raton, FL. He works with all types of patients and specializes in cardiovascular disease treatment and prevention, nutrition, lipid management, weight control and chronic illness.